Duties Of Mayor, Deputy Mayor

The mayor is elected every two years. The mayor presides over council meetings and has the right to speak but not to vote.

The mayor also is a non-voting member of the council's committees.

The charter describes the mayor's role as the ``policy leader of the city, providing guidance and leadership to the Council, expressing and explaining to the community the policies and programs of the city and assisting the Council in the informed, vigorous and effective exercise of its powers.''

The mayor nominates the members of all boards, commissions, agencies, authorities and other entities created by the charter or general statutes unless otherwise provided. The mayor also has the power to recommend and introduce ordinances, resolutions and motions.

Each newly elected council elects from its members a deputy mayor. In Hartford, the deputy mayor is regarded as the most powerful elected official and is considered the leader of the council.

If the mayor is unable to perform the duties of the office, the deputy mayor acts as the presiding officer of the council and has the powers and duties of the mayor -- except the power to veto ordinances.